This is your chance to tell a story live onstage in front of an audience! But first, you’ll be guided through in-depth story-crafting sessions where you’ll learn how to tell a compelling story.
This class series is designed to help you find the moments from your own life that matter most and turn them into unforgettable stories you can tell onstage, with confidence and without notes. The class will culminate with a performance: you'll get to tell your stories in front of an audience!
9 weeks on Friday evenings from September 18-November 20, 2026 (No class on October 30). Classes meet from 7pm-9:30pm at University Heights Center.
Taught by Saya Jenks
What you'll get from this class:
Exercises and skills for storytelling that you can apply beyond the scope of this class
Scaffolded activities from week to week to gradually build your confidence in your ability to hold an audience's attention
Personalized feedback on your story structure & public speaking technique
Storytelling prompts and resources for further learning between each class session
A supportive community of curious, creative peers who also care about the artform of storytelling
A sense of confidence and accomplishment from performing in front of an audience
On Friday, November 20, we'll host a live storytelling night where you'll take everything you've learned and tell your story, live, in front of a real audience.
Left: A student from the summer 2026 cohort of this class tells her story at our live performance night
Each week, you'll dig into the craft and technique behind live personal storytelling: how to find your story's structure, build tension, land a moment, and leave an audience wanting more. You'll practice out loud and get personalized feedback every week. You'll also build your confidence in your unique voice, learn how to tap into your innate creativity, and surprise yourself with just how many stories you have to tell.
There's no need to come to class knowing the story you want to tell. In fact, if you're not sure you have a story worth telling, this is the class for you!
You'll learn lots of techniques to mine your personal experiences for captivating content. You'll learn that you don't need to have lived a crazy, plot-twist-filled life to tell good stories; good storytelling is about how you connect with your audience and help them understand what matters to you.
On Friday, November 20 (the final class), we'll host a live storytelling night where you'll take everything you've learned and tell your story, live, in front of a real audience. There will also be an optional dress rehearsal on Saturday, November 14 from noon-3pm.
Whether you've been itching to get onstage or just want to prove to yourself that you have stories worth telling, this class is for you.
Class logistics:
WHEN: Friday evenings from 7pm-9:30pm
CLASS DATES:
September 18
September 25
October 2
October 9
October 16
October 23
NO CLASS on October 30
November 6
November 13
Saturday, November 14 from 12pm-3pm: Optional dress rehearsal
November 20 (Live storytelling performance!)
WHERE: Room 104 at University Heights Center (5031 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105)
This class will run if a minimum of 8 students enroll 7 days before the first class meeting. Enrollment is limited to 14 students.
Above: Storytellers from our summer 2026 cohort take a bow after performing their stories in front of an audience at UHeights Auditorium.
Good to know:
Open to anyone 18+
Free onsite parking & paid street available
Venue is wheelchair accessible; elevator is located at the southeast entrance (facing Brooklyn Ave NE)
Refunds available up to 7 days before the first class. Refund requests received after that point are not eligible for a refund.
What to bring/wear: We recommend wearing comfortable clothes you can move in and bringing a water bottle as you'll be speaking a lot.
Please note that we may take photos or videos during the class that may be used in future marketing materials. If you want to participate but don't want your photo taken, just let your instructor know.